Not even a R5 000 reward has been enough to break the code of silence in Durban's graffiti underworld.

Kloof residents Steven and Heather Herman put out the reward after their Kloof property was recently defaced by graffiti thugs.

The couple discovered the "art" and obscene language on their wall early this month.

The Independent on Saturday recently reported how graffiti artists have run amok with their spray cans, painting everything they see - bridges, traffic signals, boundary walls and road signs.

The police have had little success in tracking down the culprits, because in many instances the crimes are committed late at night.

So secret is the network that the identities of the artists are never made known. The Hermans sought the police's help, but were told the nuisance was a growing one and that the public should help to weed out the culprits.

"It is costly to us and others whose properties have been defaced. I feel that these criminals are getting away without due punishment," said Mrs Herman.

Local DA councillor Phillida Ellis has called on parents to ensure that their children are not up to nonsense.

Private and public property, she said, was being targeted by graffiti artists, and this had become a costly affair for those on the receiving end.

Special chemicals were needed to remove graffiti, especially if it were painted on rough surfaces or on a face-brick wall.

Some property owners have warned they would "set an example" if they caught the criminals.

"I have a 90m white boundary wall. Let me catch someone defacing my property... believe me, you can forget me calling the police. I'll sort you out myself," warned a Yellowwood Park resident.